Vehicle seating assembly having lower leg support and suspension assembly

ABSTRACT

A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat and a lower leg support. The seat includes a first end and a second end. The first and second ends are opposite to one another. The lower leg support is coupled to the seat at the second end and is movable relative to the seat between a retracted position and an extended position. A suspension assembly is coupled to the lower leg support. The suspension assembly includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion. The first end of the suspension assembly is coupled to a portion of the seat. The second end of the suspension assembly is coupled proximate to a distal end of the lower leg support. A distance between an interior surface of the intermediate portion and an adjacent surface of each of the seat and the lower leg support may vary based on lower leg support position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/838,482 filed Apr. 2, 2020, entitled “VEHICLESEATING ASSEMBLY HAVING LOWER LEG SUPPORT AND SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY;” andrelated to U.S. Pat. No. 11,148,571 issued Oct. 19, 2021, entitled“VEHICLE SEATING ASSEMBLY HAVING A LOWER LEG SUPPORT.” Theaforementioned related applications are hereby incorporated by referencein their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to vehicle seating assemblies.More specifically, the present disclosure relates to vehicle seatingassemblies having a lower leg support and a suspension assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicles are typically provided with a variety of measures that seek toimprove the comfort and convenience of occupants. However, additionalsolutions are needed that seek to address some of the expanding desiresof consumers for comfort and convenience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seatingassembly includes a seat, a lower leg support, and a suspensionassembly. The seat includes a first end and a second end. The first andsecond ends of the seat are opposite to one another. The lower legsupport is coupled to the seat at the second end. The lower leg supportis movable relative to the seat between a retracted position and anextended position. The suspension assembly is coupled to the lower legsupport. The suspension assembly includes a first end, a second end, andan intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is positioned betweenthe first and second ends of the suspension assembly. The first end ofthe suspension assembly is coupled to a portion of the seat that isrearward of the second end of the seat. The second end of the suspensionassembly is coupled proximate to a distal end of the lower leg support.The suspension assembly also includes a first thickness and a secondthickness. The first thickness and the second thickness are arranged inan alternating pattern. A distance between an interior surface of theintermediate portion and an adjacent surface of each of the seat and thelower leg support varies as a function of a position of the lower legsupport.

Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure can includeany one or a combination of the following features:

-   -   a spacing between regions of the first thickness and regions of        the second thickness vary based on a position along a length of        the suspension assembly;    -   adjacent regions of the first thickness are separated by one or        more of the regions of the second thickness;    -   the first thickness is greater than the second thickness;    -   the second thickness acts as a living hinge for the suspension        assembly;    -   the suspension assembly is arcuate in shape;    -   the suspension assembly assumes the arcuate shape in each        position of the lower leg support as the lower leg support        transitions between the retracted position and the extended        position;    -   a distance between the interior surface of the intermediate        portion and the adjacent surface of the lower leg support is        greatest when the lower leg support is in the extended position;    -   the second end of the suspension assembly is movable relative to        the distal end of the lower leg support;    -   the lower leg support includes one or more channels with which        the suspension assembly is coupled;    -   the one or more channels facilitate the second end of the        suspension assembly being movable relative to the distal end of        the lower leg support;    -   the retracted position of the lower leg support positions the        lower leg support in a region below the seat;    -   the first end of the suspension assembly is fixedly coupled to        the seat, wherein the second end of the suspension assembly is        fixedly coupled to the lower leg support; and    -   actuation of the lower leg support toward the extended position        provides a compression force that results in an increase in the        distance between the interior surface of the intermediate        portion and the adjacent surface of the lower leg support.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicleseating assembly includes a seat, a lower leg support, and a suspensionassembly. The seat includes a first end and a second end. The first andsecond ends of the seat are opposite to one another. The lower legsupport is coupled to the seat at the second end. The lower leg supportis movable relative to the seat between a retracted position and anextended position. The suspension assembly is coupled to the lower legsupport. The suspension assembly includes a first end, a second end, andan intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is positioned betweenthe first and second ends of the suspension assembly. The first end ofthe suspension assembly is fixedly coupled to a portion of the seat thatis rearward of the second end of the seat. The second end of thesuspension assembly is fixedly coupled proximate to a distal end of thelower leg support. Actuation of the lower leg support toward theextended position provides a compression force that results in anincrease in a distance between an interior surface of the intermediateportion and an adjacent surface of each of the seat and the lower legsupport varies as a function of a position of the lower leg support.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure can includeany one or a combination of the following features:

-   -   the suspension assembly includes a first thickness and a second        thickness, with the first thickness and the second thickness        being arranged in an alternating pattern;    -   a spacing between regions of the first thickness and regions of        the second thickness vary based on a position along a length of        the suspension assembly;    -   adjacent regions of the first thickness are separated by one or        more of the regions of the second thickness, wherein the first        thickness is greater than the second thickness, and wherein the        second thickness acts as a living hinge for the suspension        assembly;    -   the suspension assembly is arcuate in shape, wherein the        suspension assembly assumes the arcuate shape in each position        of the lower leg support as the lower leg support transitions        between the retracted position and the extended position; and    -   a distance between the interior surface of the intermediate        portion and the adjacent surface of the lower leg support is        greatest when the lower leg support is in the extended position.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosurewill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a vehicle seating assembly,illustrating a lower leg support in a retracted position, according toone example;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the vehicle seating assembly,illustrating the lower leg support in an at least partially-extendedposition, according to one example;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a seat of the vehicle seatingassembly, illustrating the lower leg support in the retracted position,according to one example;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the seat of the vehicle seatingassembly, illustrating the lower leg support in the at leastpartially-extended position, according to one example;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the vehicle seating assembly with the lower legsupport in the at least partially-extended position, illustrating asmaller statured user, according to one example;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the vehicle seating assembly with the lower legsupport in the at least partially-extended position, illustrating alarger statured user, according to one example;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the vehicle seating assembly with the lower legsupport in the retracted position, illustrating a relationship betweenthe seat, the lower leg support, and a suspension assembly, according toone example;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the vehicle seating assembly with the lower legsupport in a partially-extended position, illustrating the relationshipbetween the seat, the lower leg support, and the suspension assembly,according to one example; and

FIG. 9 is a side view of the vehicle seating assembly with the lower legsupport in the at least partially-extended position, illustrating therelationship between the seat, the lower leg support, and the suspensionassembly, according to one example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the concepts as oriented in FIG. 1. However, itis to be understood that the concepts may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations ofmethod steps and apparatus components related to a vehicle seatingassembly. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps havebeen represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in thedrawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent tounderstanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not toobscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the descriptionherein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings representlike elements.

As used herein, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or moreitems, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself,or any combination of two or more of the listed items, can be employed.For example, if a composition is described as containing components A,B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; Aand B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; orA, B, and C in combination.

In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top andbottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity oraction from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring orimplying any actual such relationship or order between such entities oractions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, withoutmore constraints, preclude the existence of additional identicalelements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprisesthe element.

As used herein, the term “about” means that amounts, sizes,formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics arenot and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger orsmaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, roundingoff, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those ofskill in the art. When the term “about” is used in describing a value oran end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to includethe specific value or end-point referred to. Whether or not a numericalvalue or end-point of a range in the specification recites “about,” thenumerical value or end-point of a range is intended to include twoembodiments: one modified by “about,” and one not modified by “about.”It will be further understood that the end-points of each of the rangesare significant both in relation to the other end-point, andindependently of the other end-point.

The terms “substantial,” “substantially,” and variations thereof as usedherein are intended to note that a described feature is equal orapproximately equal to a value or description. For example, a“substantially planar” surface is intended to denote a surface that isplanar or approximately planar. Moreover, “substantially” is intended todenote that two values are equal or approximately equal. In someembodiments, “substantially” may denote values within about 10% of eachother, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of eachother.

As used herein the terms “the,” “a,” or “an,” mean “at least one,” andshould not be limited to “only one” unless explicitly indicated to thecontrary. Thus, for example, reference to “a component” includesembodiments having two or more such components unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise.

Referring to FIGS. 1-9, reference numeral 20 generally indicates avehicle seating assembly. The vehicle seating assembly 20 includes aseat 24. The seat 24 includes a first end 28 and a second end 32. Thefirst and second ends 28, 32 are opposite to one another (e.g., rearwardend and forward end). In various examples, the vehicle seating assembly20 further includes a seatback 36. The seatback 36 can be coupled to theseat 24 at the first end 28 of the seat 24. The seatback 36 may bemovable relative to the seat 24. The vehicle seating assembly 20includes a lower leg support 40 coupled to the seat 24 at the second end32. The lower leg support 40 is movable relative to the seat 24 betweena retracted position (see FIG. 1) and an extended position (see FIG. 2).The vehicle seating assembly 20 further includes a suspension assembly44 coupled to the lower leg support 40. The suspension assembly 44includes a first end 48, a second end 52, and an intermediate portion 56that is positioned between the first and second ends 48, 52. The firstend 48 of the suspension assembly 44 may be fixedly coupled to the seat24. The second end 52 of the suspension assembly 44 may be fixedlycoupled to the lower leg support 40. A distance 60 between an interiorsurface 64 of the intermediate portion 56 and an adjacent surface ofeach of the seat 24 and the lower leg support 40 may vary as a functionof a position of the lower leg support 40. Actuation of the lower legsupport 40 toward the extended position may provide a compression forcethat results in an increase in the distance 60 between the interiorsurface 64 of the intermediate portion 56 and the adjacent surface ofthe lower leg support 40. In various examples, the suspension assembly44 may assume an arcuate shape in each position of the lower leg support40 as the lower leg support 40 transitions between the retractedposition and the extended position. A trim cover 66 extends over anexterior surface 68 of the suspension assembly 44. In some examples, acushion is provided between the exterior surface 68 of the suspensionassembly 44 and an interior surface of the trim cover 66.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle seating assembly 20 isshown in a partially assembled state to aid in the depiction of theconcepts disclosed herein. The vehicle seating assembly 20 is providedwith the lower leg support 40, which is coupled to the seat 24. Thelower leg support 40 is movable between the retracted position depictedin FIG. 1 and the extended position depicted in FIG. 2. The extendedposition depicted in FIG. 2 may represent a partially-extended positionor a fully extended position. Accordingly, the lower leg support 40 ofthe present disclosure may be actuated to a position further extendedthan that depicted in FIG. 2 without departing from the conceptsdisclosed herein. In various examples, the lower leg support 40 iscontinually adjustable between the retracted position and the extendedposition such that a user 72 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) may adjust a positionof the lower leg support 40 depending on their size and individualcomfort preferences. The lower leg support 40 is coupled to the seat 24at the second end 32 of the seat 24. The second end 32 of the seat 24may be a forward most region of the seat 24 relative to the couplingbetween the seat 24 and the seatback 36. Said another way, the secondend 32 of the vehicle seating assembly 20 may represent a region of theseat 24 that is proximate to a lower thigh region of the user 72 or aknee region of the user 72 when the user 72 is seated in the vehicleseating assembly 20. The suspension assembly 44 is coupled to both theseat 24 and the lower leg support 40. The first end 48 of the suspensionassembly 44 is coupled to the seat 24 and the second end 52 of thesuspension assembly 44 is coupled to the lower leg support 40. Invarious examples, the first end 48 of the suspension assembly 44 may becoupled to the seat 24 at a position that is rearward of the second end32 of the seat 24. The coupling of the suspension assembly 44 to theseat 24 may be a fixed coupling such that the first end 48 of thesuspension assembly 44 is secured in place. While being described asfixed or secured in place, the first end 48 of the suspension assembly44 may be coupled to the seat 24 in a manner that permits rotational orpivotable motion of the intermediate portion 56 of the suspensionassembly 44. The second end 52 of the suspension assembly 44 may becoupled to the lower leg support 40 proximate to a distal end 76 of thelower leg support 40. In various examples, the second end 52 of thesuspension assembly 44 may be fixedly coupled to the lower leg support40 such that the second end 52 is secured in place. While beingdescribed as fixed or secured in place, the coupling of the second end52 of the suspension assembly 44 to the lower leg support 40 may permitrotational or pivotable motion of the intermediate portion 56 of thesuspension assembly 44.

Referring further to FIGS. 1 and 2, the intermediate portion 56 of thesuspension assembly 44 may be free of permanent engagement with exteriorsurfaces of the seat 24 and the lower leg support 40. Providing theintermediate portion 56 of the suspension assembly 44 as free ofpermanent engagement with the seat 24 and the lower leg support 40permits the intermediate portion 56 to extend and retract relative toexterior surfaces of the seat 24 and the lower leg support 40. Saidanother way, varying the distance 60 between the interior surface 64 ofthe suspension assembly 44 and the immediately adjacent surfaces of eachof the seat 24 and the lower leg support 40 as a function of theposition of the lower leg support 40 may be enabled by the lack of apermanent or fixed coupling between the interior surface 64 of thesuspension assembly 44 and the immediately adjacent surfaces in the areaassociated with the intermediate portion 56. The retracted position ofthe lower leg support 40 positions the lower leg support 40 in a regionbelow the seat 24. Said another way, the lower leg support 40 ispositioned vertically below the seat 24 when the lower leg support 40 isin the retracted position. In various examples, the retracted positionof the lower leg support 40 results in the lower leg support 40 and theseat 24 forming an acute angle such that the exterior surface of thelower leg support 40 may be oriented at an angle relative to a supportsurface to which the vehicle seating assembly 20 is coupled (e.g., afloor of an associated vehicle). For example, it may be beneficial toorient the lower leg support 40 at an angle that is not perpendicular tothe support surface to which the vehicle seating assembly 20 is mounted.By so positioning the lower leg support 40 when in the retractedposition, the lower leg support 40 may be prevented from unintentionallycontacting the user 72 and may generally be positioned in a manner toprevent obstruction to the user 72.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the suspension assembly 44 can include afirst thickness 80 and a second thickness 84. In various examples, thefirst thickness 80 and the second thickness 84 may be arranged in analternating pattern. For example, adjacent regions of the firstthickness 80 may be separated by one or more of the regions of thesecond thickness 84. Similarly, adjacent regions of the second thickness84 may be separated by one or more regions of the first thickness 80. Invarious examples, the pattern of alternation between the first thickness80 and the second thickness 84 may vary as a function of a positionalong a length direction of the suspension assembly 44. The lengthdirection of the suspension assembly 44, as well as the seat 24 and thelower leg support 40, may extend in what is commonly referred to as afore-aft direction of the seat 24 and the lower leg support 40, whichextends between the first end 28 of the seat 24 and the second end 32 ofthe seat 24. For example, the specific arrangement of the alternatingpattern between the first thickness 80 and the second thickness 84 maycoincide with a degree of flexibility for a given region of thesuspension assembly 44. It is contemplated that it may be beneficial toprovide increased flexibility to the suspension assembly 44 in regionsof the intermediate portion 56 that experience the greatest degree ofmobility (e.g., proximate to the coupling between the lower leg support40 and the seat 24). Similarly, it may be beneficial to provide lesserflexibility or more rigidity to the suspension assembly 44 in theregions proximate to the first end 48 and the second end 52 of thesuspension assembly 44 where the suspension assembly 44 is coupled tothe seat 24 and the lower leg support 40, respectively. It is furthercontemplated that the arrangement of the alternating pattern of thefirst thickness 80 and the second thickness 84 may be utilized toencourage or otherwise induce an inflection point in the suspensionassembly 44 as the lower leg support 40 is actuated toward the extendedposition. Accordingly, the suspension assembly 44 may provide a contourthat closely matches a rearward side of the legs of the user 72 whilepositively engaging with the legs of the user 72 to provide activesupport to the legs of the user 72 when the lower leg support 40 is inthe extended position. In various examples, the first thickness 80 maybe greater than the second thickness 84. Accordingly, in some examples,the second thickness 84 may act as a living hinge for the suspensionassembly 44 such that the arrangement and spacing of the alternatingpattern between the first and second thicknesses 80, 84 can be used totune the contour of the suspension assembly 44 as the lower leg support40 is actuated from the retracted position to the extended position.Similar to the arrangement of the alternating pattern between the firstand second thicknesses 80, 84, a spacing 88 between regions of the firstthickness 80 and regions of the second thickness 84 may vary based on aposition along the length of the suspension assembly 44. The variationin the spacing of the first and second thicknesses 80, 84 may beutilized to tune the contour of the suspension assembly 44.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, as stated above, the first end 48 ofthe suspension assembly 44 is coupled to the seat 24 and the second end52 of the suspension assembly 44 is coupled to the lower leg support 40.In various examples, the first end 48 of the suspension assembly may befixedly coupled to the seat 24 and/or the second end 52 of thesuspension assembly 44 may be fixedly coupled to the lower leg support40. As the lower leg support 40 is actuated from the retracted positiontoward the extended position, a path length of the suspension assembly44 may be decreased. The path length is intended to refer to a distancethat extends from the point at which the suspension assembly 44 iscoupled to the seat 24, extending toward the second end 32 of the seat24, extending over a junction between the seat 24 and the lower legsupport 40, and extending to terminate at the point at which thesuspension assembly 44 is coupled to the lower leg support 40. Thesuspension assembly 44 may be a fixed length. Accordingly, as thespatial relationship between the point on the seat 24 where thesuspension assembly 44 is coupled and the point on the lower leg support40 where the suspension assembly 44 is coupled is decreased, thecompression force may begin to be applied to the suspension assembly 44and thereby result in the suspension assembly 44 increasing the distance60 between the interior surface 64 of the suspension assembly 44 and theimmediately adjacent surfaces on the seat 24 and the lower leg support40. As a displacement of the lower leg support 40 from the retractedposition increases (e.g., toward the extended position), the compressionforce experienced by the suspension assembly 44 may also increase,thereby increasing the distance 60 between the interior surface 64 ofthe suspension assembly 44 and the immediately adjacent surfaces of theseat 24 and the lower leg support 40. In some examples, the coupling ofthe first end 48 on the suspension assembly 44 to the seat 24 and/or thecoupling of the second end 52 of the suspension assembly 44 to the lowerleg support 40 may be movable (e.g., not fixed). For example, the seat24 and/or the lower leg support 40 may be provided with one or morechannels 92 with which the suspension assembly 44 is coupled. As thelower leg support 40 is actuated between the retracted position and theextended position, the first end 48 and/or the second end 52 of thesuspension assembly 44 may travel within the one or more channels 92such that the position of the first end 48 and/or the second end 52 ofthe suspension assembly 44 may be adjusted to accomplish a desiredcontour of the suspension assembly 44.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the trim cover 66 extends over the exteriorsurface 68 of the suspension assembly 44. In various examples, a cushion96 may be positioned between the trim cover 66 and the exterior surface68 of the suspension assembly 44. The suspension assembly 44 isconfigured to assume a contoured shape that provides direct support to arearward side of the legs of the user 72. For example, the suspensionassembly 44 can provide direct support to the rearward side of the legsof a user 72 of smaller stature (FIG. 5), as well as the rearward sideof the legs of a user 72 of a larger stature (FIG. 6). The contour thatthe suspension assembly 44 assumes upon extension of the lower legsupport 40 from the retracted position urges the cushion 96 and/or thetrim cover 66 toward the rearward side of the legs of the user 72. Thecompression force provided by the extension of the lower leg support 40can provide an active engagement to the rearward side of the legs of theuser 72, and may provide sufficient rigidity to the suspension assembly44 to enable the suspension assembly 44 to lift the legs of the user 72.The arrangement of the first and second thicknesses 80, 84 in bothspacing and pattern can provide a degree of compliance or give to thesuspension assembly 44 such that a weight of the legs of the user 72 maycause the suspension assembly 44 to decrease the distance 60 between theinterior surface 64 of the suspension assembly 44 and the immediatelyadjacent surface of the seat 24 and/or the lower leg support 40 inregions of the intermediate portion 56 where the legs of the user 72 areactively engaged by the suspension assembly 44, the cushion 96, and/orthe trim cover 66. In various examples, the cushion 96 may additionallyprovide a degree of compliance or give such that the legs of the user 72are actively engaged, supported, and cushioned.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the suspension assembly 44 can assume an arcuateshape in each position of the lower leg support 40 as the lower legsupport 40 transitions between the retracted position (FIG. 7) and theextended position (FIG. 9). A cross-section or surface area of contactbetween the interior surface 64 of the suspension assembly 44 and theseat 24 may vary as a function of the position of the lower leg support40. Similarly, a cross-section or surface area of contact between theinterior surface 64 of the suspension assembly 44 and the lower legsupport 40 may vary as a function of the position of the lower legsupport 40. A distribution of contact between the suspension assembly44, the seat 24, and the lower leg support 40 may also vary as afunction of the position of the lower leg support 40. For example, asthe lower leg support 40 is actuated from the retracted position to apartially-extended position (FIG. 8), the suspension assembly 44 mayfirst decrease a surface area of contact with the seat 24. Additionallyor alternatively, the surface area of contact between the suspensionassembly 44 and the seat 24 may decrease at a greater rate or to agreater extent than the decrease in the surface area of contact betweenthe suspension assembly 44 and the lower leg support 40. As the lowerleg support 40 is actuated from the partially-extended position to theextended position (FIG. 9), the surface area of contact between thesuspension assembly 44 and the lower leg support 40 may decrease. Aswith the surface area of contact between the suspension assembly 44, theseat 24, and the lower leg support 40, the distance 60 between theinterior surface 64 of the suspension assembly 44 and the immediatelyadjacent surfaces of either the seat 24 or the lower leg support 40 maybe adjusted at varying rates and/or to varying extents throughout theactuation path of the lower leg support 40.

If the lower leg support 40 is not provided with the suspension assembly44, the lower leg support 40 may only engage a small surface area of therearward side of the legs of the user 72. However, providing thesuspension assembly 44 of the present disclosure enables a greatercontact surface area between the components of the vehicle seatingassembly 20 and a rearward side of the legs of the user 72 when thelower leg support 40 is extended. The greater surface area of contactbetween the rearward side of the legs of the user 72 and the componentsof the vehicle seating assembly 20, especially cushioned components ofthe vehicle seating assembly 20, can provide greater comfort to the user72, and may serve to decrease pressure points that may be experiencedduring extended travel in a seated position.

Modifications of the disclosure will occur to those skilled in the artand to those who make or use the concepts disclosed herein. Therefore,it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings anddescribed above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended tolimit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the followingclaims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law,including the doctrine of equivalents.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described concepts, and other components, is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of theconcepts disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms: couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature, or may be removableor releasable in nature, unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments,is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multipleparts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, and the nature or numeral ofadjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. Itshould be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes, or steps withindescribed processes, may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present disclosure, and further, it is to beunderstood that such concepts are intended to be covered by thefollowing claims, unless these claims, by their language, expresslystate otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle seating assembly, comprising: a seathaving a first end and a second end, the first and second ends beingopposite to one another; a lower leg support coupled to the seat at thesecond end, the lower leg support being movable relative to the seatbetween a retracted position and an extended position; and a suspensionassembly coupled to the lower leg support, the suspension assemblycomprising a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portionpositioned between the first and second ends, wherein the first end ofthe suspension assembly is coupled to a portion of the seat that isrearward of the second end of the seat, wherein the second end of thesuspension assembly is coupled proximate to a distal end of the lowerleg support, wherein the suspension assembly further comprises a firstthickness and a second thickness, with the first thickness and thesecond thickness being arranged in an alternating pattern, and wherein adistance between an interior surface of the intermediate portion and anadjacent surface of each of the seat and the lower leg support varies asa function of a position of the lower leg support.
 2. The vehicleseating assembly of claim 1, wherein a spacing between regions of thefirst thickness and regions of the second thickness vary based on aposition along a length of the suspension assembly.
 3. The vehicleseating assembly of claim 1, wherein adjacent regions of the firstthickness are separated by one or more of the regions of the secondthickness.
 4. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the firstthickness is greater than the second thickness.
 5. The vehicle seatingassembly of claim 4, wherein the second thickness acts as a living hingefor the suspension assembly.
 6. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1,wherein the suspension assembly is arcuate in shape.
 7. The vehicleseating assembly of claim 6, wherein the suspension assembly assumes thearcuate shape in each position of the lower leg support as the lower legsupport transitions between the retracted position and the extendedposition.
 8. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein a distancebetween the interior surface of the intermediate portion and theadjacent surface of the lower leg support is greatest when the lower legsupport is in the extended position.
 9. The vehicle seating assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the second end of the suspension assembly is movablerelative to the distal end of the lower leg support.
 10. The vehicleseating assembly of claim 9, wherein the lower leg support comprises oneor more channels with which the suspension assembly is coupled.
 11. Thevehicle seating assembly of claim 10, wherein the one or more channelsfacilitate the second end of the suspension assembly being movablerelative to the distal end of the lower leg support.
 12. The vehicleseating assembly of claim 1, wherein the retracted position of the lowerleg support positions the lower leg support in a region below the seat.13. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the first end ofthe suspension assembly is fixedly coupled to the seat, and wherein thesecond end of the suspension assembly is fixedly coupled to the lowerleg support.
 14. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 13, whereinactuation of the lower leg support toward the extended position providesa compression force that results in an increase in the distance betweenthe interior surface of the intermediate portion and the adjacentsurface of the lower leg support.
 15. A vehicle seating assembly,comprising: a seat having a first end and a second end, the first andsecond ends being opposite to one another; a lower leg support coupledto the seat at the second end, the lower leg support being movablerelative to the seat between a retracted position and an extendedposition; and a suspension assembly coupled to the lower leg support,the suspension assembly comprising a first end, a second end, and anintermediate portion positioned between the first and second ends,wherein the first end of the suspension assembly is fixedly coupled to aportion of the seat that is rearward of the second end of the seat,wherein the second end of the suspension assembly is fixedly coupledproximate to a distal end of the lower leg support, and whereinactuation of the lower leg support toward the extended position providesa compression force that results in an increase in a distance between aninterior surface of the intermediate portion and an adjacent surface ofeach of the seat and the lower leg support varies as a function of aposition of the lower leg support.
 16. The vehicle seating assembly ofclaim 15, wherein the suspension assembly further comprises a firstthickness and a second thickness, with the first thickness and thesecond thickness being arranged in an alternating pattern.
 17. Thevehicle seating assembly of claim 16, wherein a spacing between regionsof the first thickness and regions of the second thickness vary based ona position along a length of the suspension assembly.
 18. The vehicleseating assembly of claim 16, wherein adjacent regions of the firstthickness are separated by one or more of the regions of the secondthickness, wherein the first thickness is greater than the secondthickness, and wherein the second thickness acts as a living hinge forthe suspension assembly.
 19. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 15,wherein the suspension assembly is arcuate in shape, and wherein thesuspension assembly assumes the arcuate shape in each position of thelower leg support as the lower leg support transitions between theretracted position and the extended position.
 20. The vehicle seatingassembly of claim 15, wherein a distance between the interior surface ofthe intermediate portion and the adjacent surface of the lower legsupport is greatest when the lower leg support is in the extendedposition.